On the occasion of their third wedding anniversary (traditionally signified with leather), actor Rupert Friend commissioned a pair of leather boots for his wife, the incomparable Aimée Mullins, model, actress and athlete.

The design of the boots began with Aimée suggesting subject matter that was important to her, including thistles, flora and fauna. She sent a pair of her prosthetic legs on which Caroline based the design and pattern of the over-the-knee boots.

When Aimée came to the UK to host a Sarabande Foundation event (Alexander McQueen's art and design foundation, of which she is a trustee), she and Rupert took the opportunity to visit the Caroline Groves Atelier. 

Once the boots were made and fitted to the prosthetics, the intricate and labour-intensive design was inked and painted directly onto them.

Donum Amoris was awarded Gold and Silver in the 2020 Global Footwear Awards, in the categories of Women’s Dress / Thigh High Boots and Medical / Orthopaedic respectively.

The gift that keeps on giving…